Oklahoma Cosmetology Board Practice Exam

Why should you avoid using metal tools on color-treated hair?

1. They can enhance the color

2. They can react with the hair color and cause damage

3. They are more efficient for styling

4. They prevent tangles

The correct answer is: They can react with the hair color and cause damage

Using metal tools on color-treated hair is advised against primarily because they can react with the hair color and cause damage. Many metal tools can conduct heat differently and may lead to chemical reactions when they come into contact with the artificial pigments in the hair dye. These reactions can weaken the hair structure, leading to breakage, fading of the color, or unwanted changes in the hair's texture and appearance. When hair is color-treated, it undergoes changes that make it more susceptible to damage. Using metal tools can intensify this susceptibility by causing the color molecules to break down or change, ultimately defeating the purpose of the color treatment. Safe alternatives include using tools made from ceramic, glass, or plastic, which do not carry the same risks of chemical interaction and are gentler on the hair. Considering the other options, while metal tools might seem efficient for styling and could theoretically prevent tangles, the potential for chemical reactions and damage far outweighs those benefits when dealing with color-treated hair. Additionally, metal tools do not enhance color; instead, they can detract from it by damaging the hair’s integrity.